Uphill battle for health

Luke Rawalai
Wednesday, September 03, 2014

THE Ministry of Health's efforts to remove salt and sauces from eatery tables has been an uphill battle.

Speaking to members of the Catholic Women's League last week, Nabouwalu Hospital dietician Kalesi Nalala said the ministry's efforts to remove these flavours had not gone unchallenged by customers and restaurant operators.

Ms Nalala said plans for the removal of the two items from eatery tables was part of the ministry's business plan this year.

She told league members that it had been a tough battle for the ministry because these flavourings attracted customers to restaurants which in turn made money for operators.

She said the same issue was experienced with the ministry's earlier efforts of putting a stop to the sale of cigarettes, which was a common cause of lung cancer.

She said since the prohibition of the sale of cigarette rolls, they were aware of people who continued to sell these in rural areas.

Ms Nalala told women the ministry had officers who were tracking down on these illegal operators.

She said with the ministry's effort to control the consumption of these unhealthy food flavours, people could at least assist the ministry by taking the first step and control their own salt and sugar intake.